Your bills are too high! And for what?

Because you’re hesitant to live on less money?

Living on less doesn’t mean living on the bare minimum. It doesn’t even mean skimping on the stuff you like.

Living on less means being strategic with your spending.

It means cutting the expenses you don’t want (like forgotten subscriptions that continue to charge you monthly).

It means earning cash back on the stuff you buy all the time.

Time to streamline your money.

Follow these tips to make “living below your means” a lot easier.

1. Don’t Spend So Much On Food

Don't spend so much on food

If you’re trying to save money, you must eat out less.

Food from the grocery store is expensive as it is.

When you eat out, you pay for the preparation, the service, the rent for the building, management salaries, and you still have to leave a tip.

It is a money-suck!

You can cook way better food at home.

Don’t believe me? Try this: search Google for your next recipe.

Try typing in “french toast recipe” or any other recipe you’re interested in.

The first result will be the best.

That’s because in order for a recipe to get to the top of Google, it needs lots and lots of 5-star reviews.

When you use Google as your recipe book, I promise you that you will start cooking the best food you’ve ever tasted.

Seriously, try it. You’ll save money.

2. Dosh – Automatic Cash Straight To Your Phone

Dosh is simple. When you swipe your card (debit or credit), you earn cash back automatically.

There are no receipts to scan and no offers to redeem.

Simply spend money on your card, and Dosh collects free money in the background.

How does this work? The Dosh app securely connected to your debt/credit card.

When Dosh recognizes that you swipe your card at their partnered cash-back locations, you earn money.

That means when you checkout at Walmart, Target, or Sam’s Club, Dosh automatically collects cash back:

Use Dosh to grow your savings.

Deposit your Dosh Cash directly into your bank account.

You will also collect a $1 Welcome bonus just for connecting your card.

3. Trim – Stop Getting Ripped Off

Are you getting gouged on your internet bill?

The sad truth is that you likely are. Internet companies don’t have fixed rates on their internet speeds.

They charge as much as they can on a per-customer basis.

That’s why the Trim app exists.

Trim saved their users over $1M in the last month alone by lowering their internet, phone, cable, and medical bills.

They are bill-negotiation experts.

When you get the Trim app, a Trim team member will call your internet service provider and negotiate a lower bill on your behalf.

They do absolutely everything, and you collect the savings.

Test Trim’s Bill Negotiation Service for free.

They will immediately get to work negotiating your internet, phone, cable, and medical bills.

If Trim is unable to save you money, their services won’t cost you a cent.

However, If Trim does successfully negotiate a lower bill, you keep 66% of your savings the first year, and 100% of your savings every year after.

Please note that Trim takes their payment immediately.

For example, if Trim saves you $10/month, they will request their 33% fee ($40) right away. But you keep 100% of the savings after that. 

Lower your bills with Trim. Because why overspend on internet, phone, and cable when you absolutely do not have to?

Free Workshop – Join our free Simplify Money Workshop

The *only* way to save money is to spend less than you earn. That means you need to decrease your expenses or increase your income.

We want to help you do both.

Join our FREE Simplify Money Workshop to learn the fundamentals of growing wealth. Because when you can spend less than you earn, your money has no choice but to grow. You will build your savings and pay down debt. 

What’s more? We’ve got a bunch of free money-hacks to share with you:

  • Hacks to lower your monthly bills
  • Hacks to spend less on debt
  • Hacks to start investing
  • Hacks to increase your income by $20/month (with no extra effort)

This workshop has everything you need to accomplish the cardinal rule of personal finance: keep your income over your expenses.

Join our free 5-day Simplify Money Workshop, and start growing your wealth today.

4. Rakuten – Cash Back on Amazon

Rakuten-Cash back on amazon

The next time you check out from Amazon, here is what Rakuten will do for you:

Rakuten is a rebate finding machine.

When you shop at one of Rakuten’s 2,500+ partnered retailers, that retailer pays Rakuten, and Rakuten shares that money with you.

Rakuten offers massive cash back.

You’ll earn up to 40% at some stores.

What’s more, Rakuten works automatically.

Install the Rakuten Browser Extension so that Rakuten can earn you free money every time you shop online.

Oh yeah! Rakuten pays in cash.

The free money you earn while shopping online with Rakuten will be delivered by check, straight to your door, every 3 months.

Deposit that money to grow your emergency fund.

Setting up an account is not only free, but you will also receive a $10 Welcome Bonus the first time you earn cash back with Rakuten.

You will find many popular retailers on Rakuten including Target; Amazon; Walmart; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; and many more.

Ready to get paid to shop online? Get your free $10 Welcome Bonus just for giving Rakuten a try!

5. Capital One Shopping – Promo Codes For Amazon

Capital One Shopping is an internet browser extension that automatically applies promo codes to your online orders (such as at Amazon, Walmart.com, as well as 1,000+ other online retailers).

It takes seconds to add to your browser, and from that point on, you save money without lifting a finger.

For example, when you’re checking out from Amazon, Capital One Shopping automatically tracks down a coupons to knock-down your price.

This browser extension saves you both time and money because Capital One Shopping does all of the bargain hunting for you.

Add this money-saving gem to your arsenal to effortlessly keep more money in your pocket.

Grab Capital One Shopping here.

Because why miss a free Amazon Promo-code when you don’t have to?

6. Spend your money wisely

You don’t want to live on the bare minimum.

But you do want to live below your means.

Spend less than you earn, and your money will grow.

A budget is a plan to spend less than you earn (i.e. it’s a plan to spend your money the right way).

Review your bank and credit card statements from the last three months to create spending categories.

Then you will need to track your expenses to ensure you do not overspend.

Get Free Cash Back With This Free App

Have you noticed you have less disposable income these days after you fill your tank at the gas station? High fuel prices might be eating away at your paycheck, but get some cash back with a free app.

Upside, formerly GetUpside, is an app that will get you cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, and nearby restaurants with just a few taps. 

When you download the free app and sign up, you will see cash-back discounts and exclusive offers in Upside. Claim your offer, visit the establishment, complete your transaction, pay with a linked debit or credit card, check-in, and wait for your cash back rewards to roll in.

Upside works at 45,000 locations across the United States. It started as a cash-back app for gas but has been adding grocery and restaurant chains. 

Get paid via PayPal, bank account, or gift card. Start earning cash back at nearby stores when you install the Upside app. Be wise with your money and use the promo code AFF20 to grab a 20 cents-per-gallon sign-up bonus. Get the free app today.

7. Spend Less on Flights

Scott’s Cheap Flights is a simple way to save money on your next flight.

Tell Scott your home airport and your top travel destinations, and you’re done.

You will receive personalized emails alerting you to amazing deals about flights you want to know about. And those deals average between 40-90% off.

Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights with our link to receive a free 14-day trial (and 20% off a one year membership with promo code BUDGET20).

If you travel, it’s time to start saving big money of flights.

Spend Less On Energy and Utilities

Another area where you can easily save money and live on less is on your utilities.

Below are a few tips to get you started.

8. Lower Your Home and Auto Insurance

Insurance commercials keep telling us to call and save.

But you know what? We don’t have time to call.

So we probably miss out on savings.

If only there were an easier way… There is.

Head over to Insurify to find great rates on home and auto insurance.

Simply plug in your current information, and Insurify compares the best home insurance and auto insurance prices across the major insurance companies.

Don’t call insurance company after insurance company, shopping for the best rate. Tell Insurify what you need, and find a great rate in minutes.

Boom! Money saved.

9. Get Energy Efficient Appliances & Products

When it comes time to replace your appliances, do the research and find energy efficient options.

Replacing your appliances over time can significantly cut your energy bill!

If you’re not planning on replacing your fridge anytime soon, you may consider getting some energy efficient (aka money-saving) Amazon products.

Here’s a couple of our favorites:

  • Smart Plug– Automatically switches things off when not in use.
  • Energy Efficient LED Light Bulbs– Save money on your electric bill by simply changing out your light bulbs
  • Smart ThermostatHomeowners save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs by making this *effortless* change

10. Don’t Subscribe To All of the Streaming Services

Don't subscribe to every stream service

Why subscribe to 5 different streaming services all at the same time?

You only watch one or two shows at one time.

Stop doing major damage to your savings by holding on to streaming services you do not use.

Keep a list of the streaming services you are subscribed.

Cancel the streaming services you are not using.

It’s easy because the majority of streaming services have you pay monthly.

It’s simply a matter of turning on and off the service.

11. Insulate your home

If your home is not insulated well, you’re money is literally flying out of your doors and windows.

Make sure your all frames around doors and windows are well insulated and fill in any cracks in your home’s exterior.

12. Use Less Electricity (turn off lights, unplug)

A quick way to save money on electricity is by using less.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room and unplug appliances you’re not using such as your toaster oven.

They draw energy even when they’re not in use, costing you money.

Save on Food

We all have to eat but it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to eat well.

You can eat well on less money with the help of a few quick tips and tricks.

Here’s how to eat better than ever for a fraction of your current spending.

13. Plan Your Meals

Plan your meals

Next to learning how to cook, meal planning is the best way to save money on food.

Creating your own meal plan takes just a few minutes but can save you hundreds of dollars and lots of stress.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to create a meal plan from scratch every week, a service like $5 Meal Plan can be a life saver.

For just $5 you get a monthly meal plan, including recipes and shopping lists. All recipes are tasty and cheap, costing less than $2 per serving.

Ready to give $5 Meal Plan a try? Here’s a free 14-day trial to get you started.

14. Cook From Scratch

There is no way around it – cooking your own food will save you a lot over the long run. Learn how to cook and make your own meals.

Most store bought foods are less healthy than what you can make at home and full or additives and sodium.

Don’t know how to cook? Use Google.

The top ranking recipes in search are the highest rated which means they are the most delicious.

Google your recipes, and will start making food that puts restaurant food to shame.

15. Shop with a list

An easy way to save money shopping is by making a list and sticking to it.

Use your meal plan as a basis for what groceries you need to buy for the week. In addition, check your fridge and pantry to see if you’re out of any staples.

Make your shopping list based on what you need and bring it with you when you go shopping.

Only buy what’s on your list so you can get better at planning out your shopping trips.

Ibotta – Cash Back on Groceries

Food from the grocery store is still super expensive?

So how do you save?

Try the free Ibotta app that pays you to buy groceries.

Open the app, snap a picture of your grocery receipt, and Ibotta will transfer money into your Ibotta account.

Is Ibotta legit : Ibotta App Review

To grow your savings, deposit that Ibotta money directly into your bank account.

Or get a free Gift Card to Amazon or Walmart.

Ibotta welcome bonus, Ibotta $10 welcome bonus, Ibotta referral code, ibotta hidden bonuses, ibotta 10 welcome bonus, ibotta $10 referral code

Download Ibotta because it’s easy to use, and because it’s the highest paying ‘cash back on groceries’ app around.

You’ll also receive a $20 welcome bonus just for using the app.

Want to hear even more ways Ibotta can save you money? Check out our Ibotta explainer video, here!

16. Use Coupons

Use coupons

Coupons can get a bad reputation but they are a great way to save money and live on less.

However, instead of clipping coupons for things you think you may need, flip the idea on its head.

Make a list of what you need to buy and search for coupons that match up.

This way you’re not spending money just to save a dollar or two on items you may not need.

Also, before making an online purchase, do a quick search for coupons.

17. Plan Meals Around Sales

Here’s another tip that will save you hundreds this year: plan your meals around what’s on sale at your local grocery store.

Check out the store circulars regularly and use the loss leaders (items on the first page) as the basis for your weekly meal plan.

Grocery stores put the items with the biggest discounts on the front page of their weekly sales circular in the hope of drawing people into the store to spend on other items.

Stock up when you find a good deal and use that as the basis for your meals.

18. Buy What’s In Season

An easy way to live well on less is by eating in season.

Instead of buying strawberries in December, why not try oranges or mandarins?

Use a seasonal food guide.

Fruits and vegetables that are in season cost less and taste better.

19. Eat Meat More Efficiently

Eat meat more efficiently

Meat can eat up a big chunk of your grocery budget.

While you don’t have to go vegetarian, eating less meat will save you a lot of money and introduce you to new recipes and flavors.

Nose-to-tail eating will also help you eat meat more efficiently.

Visit your local rancher at a farmer’s market.

Buy a whole chicken instead of specific cuts.

You’ll be surprised by how much food a single animal has to offer.

Spend Less Than You Earn

If you’re looking for ways to spend less than you earn, you need to start with your paycheck.

Lifestyle inflation will slowly eat away at your salary, making you feel you haven’t made financial progress even if you make a good salary.

20. Bank Your Raises

One of the easiest ways to spend less is to save your raises.

Instead of adjusting your spending every time you get a bump in salary, use it to increase your savings.

Set up a transfer to your savings account to match up with your paycheck or bump up your retirement contributions.

Over time, this can significantly increase your savings rate and you will barely notice the difference.

The key is to whisk the money out of your account before you have a chance to spend it.

21. Stash Your Bonuses

Stash your bonuses

Getting a bonus can make you feel flush with cash.

More often than not, the money gets spent and you don’t even remember what you bought.

Instead of spending all of your bonus, set aside 10 or 20 percent to spend as you want.

Use the rest of the money to fund important goals that align with your values.

You can put the extra funds toward your retirement, in a vacation account if travel matters to you or toward a house or car down payment.

22. Save Your Refunds and Windfalls

Just like with a bonus, unexpected refunds or windfalls can feel like free money.

It’s easy to blow through the cash and not know where the money went.

Just like with a bonus, it’s important to put your money where your values lie.

Set aside some of the funds to use toward something fun.

The rest should go into a savings account or use it to fund a bigger goal.

23. Set Up Automatic Withdrawals

If the money is in your checking account, it will get spent.

The easiest way to save more money is to set up automatic withdrawals from your checking account to a savings account.

Bonus points if the savings account is at a different bank.

Focus on spending only the money you have in your checking account.

This will force you to get creative and prioritize your spending.

24. Try Using Cash

Try using cash

Studies show that charging your purchases on plastic causes you to spend more.

That’s because you’re separated from the act of spending money until you see the charge on your statement.

Using cash can make you feel the pain of spending.

The pain of handing over physical dollar bills can help you curb your spending.

25. Try Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a great way to save money on anything from clothes to housewares and furniture.

You can often find brand-new items with the tags still on for a fraction of the price of buying new.

Since most items in a thrift store come from donations, you never know what you will find.

Before going online to buy something full price, check out the thrift stores in your area.

You may be able to find the item you need or a comparable version for much less than retail.

Before heading out, check Craigslist and Facebook for yard sale listings in your area.

There are also apps such as Yard Sale Treasure Map that help you find yard sales in your neighborhood and surrounding areas.

26. Check Out Yard sales

Check out yard sales

Another great place to buy stuff for cheap are yard and garage sales.

Since people are looking to get rid of their stuff quickly, you can use this as an opportunity to get a better price.

Yard sales are a great place to find children’s clothing and toys, bikes, housewares and much more.

27. Use a Cooling Off Period

Impulse purchases can cost you dearly over the long run.

According to a survey by Slickdeals.net [source], people spend an average of $5,400 on impulse purchases every year.

That’s a lot of money!

An easy way to stop shopping on impulse is to institute a waiting period before making a purchase over a certain amount.

For example, waiting 72 hours before buying anything that costs more than $50.

This will help you overcome the excitement of buying something in the moment so you can consider the pros and cons of the purchase.

More often than not, you’ll realize that you didn’t need it after all, saving you money.

28. Try a No-Spend Challenge

Try a no spend challenge

A no-spend challenge is a great way to kickstart your commitment to living on less.

The way it works is that you commit to spending money only on the essentials for a dedicated period of time such as a month.

Doing a no-spend challenge can be difficult at first but as you get the hang of it, it gets easier.

You may be surprised at how many times you pull out your wallet to make unnecessary purchases.

Use this as an opportunity to identify your spending problem areas and figure out lower cost alternatives or how to avoid the expense altogether.

29. Cut Back on Eating Out

Eating out can be a big drain on the budget, adding up to hundreds of dollars every month.

While you don’t have to give up dining out completely, there are ways to do it smarter and still have fun.

Drinks can be very expensive when going out to eat. Instead of buying a drink, order water with your entree.

Offer to split an entree with a friend or take half of it home to eat later as leftovers.

Focus your spending on opportunities to dining out with friends rather than on rushing through the drive through on the way home from work.

Free Workshop – Join our free Simplify Money Workshop

The *only* way to save money is to spend less than you earn. That means you need to decrease your expenses or increase your income.

We want to help you do both.

Join our FREE Simplify Money Workshop to learn the fundamentals of growing wealth. Because when you can spend less than you earn, your money has no choice but to grow. You will build your savings and pay down debt. 

What’s more? We’ve got a bunch of free money-hacks to share with you:

  • Hacks to lower your monthly bills
  • Hacks to spend less on debt
  • Hacks to start investing
  • Hacks to increase your income by $20/month (with no extra effort)

This workshop has everything you need to accomplish the cardinal rule of personal finance: keep your income over your expenses.

Join our free 5-day Simplify Money Workshop, and start growing your wealth today.

Spend Less on Entertainment

Having fun doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

There are ways to spend less and still have a good time. Here are several tips to get you started.

30. Invite Friends to Your Place

If your friends want to eat out or go for drinks regularly, the costs can add up quickly.

Next time someone suggests going to eat, why don’t you invite them over to your place?

You can host a potluck or go with a fun theme such as wine tasting and cheese.

Everyone can bring their favorite wine, cheese or snacks to share and you get to hang out for less.

31. Use the Library

Use the Library

The library can be a treasure trove for ways to save money on books, audiobooks, movies, and even your favorite TV show.

Some libraries even offer free passes to local landmarks and museums.

You can also find free classes on anything from pottery to genealogy.

32. Try Redbox

Redbox is a great way to watch recent movie releases for less than $2.

They offer a good selection and there are usually several within a two-mile radius in most urban and suburban locations.

If you sign up for their email list, they often send discount codes that bring down the cost for a one-night movie rental to less than a $1.

I’ve also had great success with just doing a quick Google search for coupons before renting a movie.

33. Watch What You Have

Many people forget that they have a big library of available movies at their disposal.

Whether this is physical DVDs or Blu-ray discs or online movie purchases, just rewatching some of your favorites is a great way to get more out of your purchase.

34. Borrow from Friends and Family

Borrow from friends and family

Going off the previous tip, check out your family and friends’ movie libraries and ask them to borrow something you haven’t seen or would like to rewatch.

This is a great way to expand your own library for free. Make sure to offer then some of your own movies or shows in exchange.

How Can I Live On Less Income?

The simple answer is by spending less than you earn.

While this sounds easy in theory, it is difficult to do in practice.

Emotions can get the best of you, causing you to spend money unnecessarily.

The best way to live on less income is to figure out your big why.

When you align your spending with your values, spending less on everything else becomes easier.

That’s because you’re putting your money toward the things that matter the most to you.

Figure out what you value the most such as family, friends, traveling, your health, and so on.

These are your priorities and where you should spend your money.

This can mean splurging for airline tickets to visit your family in a different state or spending more for organic food.

The key is to spend money on what matters to you and cut expenses in other areas.

We all have access to a limited amount of money.

Living on less income requires focusing most your spending on ways that align with your values.

The Bottom Line on Living with Less Money

Living on less money doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself.

Being frugal allows you to align your spending with your values and put your money toward what matters most to you.

Use the money you save to fund big goals such as a major purchase or an emergency fund.

Spending less gives you options and can provide you with a cushion if you experience a loss of income.

You will sleep better at night knowing you have extra breathing room in your budget and a savings in the bank.

Alright, those are the easiest ways to spend less money (without feeling like it.

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